Fresh eats

Whilst a few notable closures have rocked the wider Melbourne dining scene over the last couple of months, here in the CBD we’ve been treated to a string of new openings that have only added to our list of enviable coffee and lunch spots.

For the days when that lone can of “emergency” tuna just won’t cut it, keep these recently-opened venues in mind and venture out to somewhere new.

Market Lane CoffeeMarket Lane has opened its first CBD location in Portland House in the Paris-end of Collins St.

Serving their seasonal blend for milk-based beverages and a rotating single origin for black espresso, the only milk on the menu is Schulz Organic full-fat dairy so this is not the café you want to find yourself in bleary-eyed ordering a large almond milk flat white with two sugars first thing in the AM.

It is the place to go however when you’re after a coffee for purposes other than to get caffeinated. Sweets on offer include lamingtons, yo-yos and fruit crumbles from North Melbourne bakery Beatrix and pastries from Noisette. 8 Collins St, www.marketlane.com.au

Burger Project
Neil Perry’s Burger Project has opened to much acclaim in the new high-end retail centre St Collins Lane. The first Melbourne location for Perry’s popular fast-food concept, Burger Project’s appeal is quality produce made in-house.

The Cape Grim patties are hand-formed on premises and are served with cheese, bacon and a “secret” sauce. There is a crumbed confit mushroom burger on the menu for vegetarians, and a fried chicken, coleslaw and katsu sauce combo for those who prefer white meat.

The beef is definitely the star of the show and Perry’s cheeseburger presents as a real contender in Melbourne’s burger game. Level 2, 260 Collins St, www.burgerproject.com

Sake Flinders Lane
Transforming the former Woody. P site, Sake has established itself as legitimate player in the Flinders Lane eating game.

A genuine Japanese haven, complete with sushi bar, robatayaki grill and a 50-seat stone counter overlooking the kitchen, Sake Flinders Lane produces its own miso and tofu, and offers the largest selection of sake, shochu and Japanese whisky in Melbourne.

This is the second Sake venue to grace Melbourne, joining the location at Hamer Hall. 121 Flinders Lane, www.sakerestaurant.com.au

Doughnut Time
It may have been open since February but the lines haven’t ceased to snake out the door and around the corner (the store is more or less a hole in the wall mind, although it is rare for the patronage of the line to be less than half a dozen).

With their creative flavours, vegan and gluten-free options and a few never-before-seen combinations, Doughnut Time has proven that it lives up to the hype and is definitely worth a visit when you’re in need of an afternoon pick-me-up. 5 Degraves St, www.doughttime.com.au